NFL Off-Season Preview 2008: AFC North

2007 was a year for underachieving in the AFC North. Pittsburgh looked like a serious contender before the season began and lost in the first round at home to Jacksonville. Cincinnati played absolutely horrible defense and the offense struggled more than many expected. But perhaps the biggest disappointment was the Ravens. Baltimore fell from 13-3 to 5-11 and probably played even worse than their 5-11 record would indicate. If you're a Cleveland fan, you couldn't care less. The perennial cellar-dwelling Browns broke out of their funk with a 10-6 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. If the Ravens pull off something major like landing Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, the North could be stacked. As it is, 2008 will be highly competitive and may not be decided until week 17.

Baltimore Ravens 5-11
Needs: QB,CB,WR,LB,OL
Offense: With off-season coaching changes inevitable each year, Baltimore was probably the most attractive job in 2008. An aging but talented defensive nucleus, coupled with inconsistent but talented offense, implies the Ravens can turn their ship around next season. 5-11 coming off 13-3 is a good way to get a head coach fired. Brian Billick learned that the hard way, but Billick had long worn out his welcome as many expected him to get the ax after 2005. John Harbough will replace Billick, making the short trip from Philly. Cam Cameron will run the offense lead by Troy Smith, Kyle Boller, or potentially someone for the '08 draft class. Musa Smith could leave but the Ravens already have Mike Anderson. The offensive line is a question with Jonathan Ogden's status in doubt. The Ravens staff scouting OT's heavily at the senior bowl, the 2nd and third rounds could certainly be the place they address that need.

Defensive: Terrell Suggs represents the only major potential free agent loss and signing him ought to be a top priority. With Harbough's background in defensive backfields, the aging secondary will likely take a new form in 2008 ( DRC, and number of other CB's are very much on the radar). No matter who is back there, Rex Ryan will get the most of that defense, the strength of this Ravens team. Baltimore lacks balance in terms of experience on defense and certainly needs to add young talent to build for the future as well as add insurance in case of injury this season. If they can settle on a quarterback early, this will be a much improved team in 2008.

Projected 1st Round Pick: #8 Matt Ryan QB Boston College

Cincinnati Bengals 7-9
Needs: LB,DL,G,S,TE
Offense: Ocho Cinco must come back for 2008, and Marvin Lewis has said the disenchanted diva isn't going anywhere. Even with WR Chad Johnson back, the offense will have to do a better job protecting QB Carson Palmer and opening lanes for RB Rudi Johnson as the line did NOT play well this past season. Without a consistent running game, Palmer was erratic and often missed the kind of throws he routinely makes. A young tight end who could help give the Bengals another blocker in the run game as well as a receiver down the middle would help tremendously. Offensive line depth and tight end are really the only weaknesses on offense. While guard is not particularly deep position in this year's draft, there are a number of tackles who would add depth. Also, the tight end class is athletic and capable of making an impact right away, especially with Palmer at the helm.

Defense:The kind of underachieving going on in Cinci would get most coaches fired. However, the Bengals have been so terrible for so long that management has been giving Marvin Lewis the benefit of the doubt since Lewis put this team back in the playoffs. The reality is, Lewis' defense (his supposed specialty) has been awful. Probably their best defensive player, Justin Smith, was franchised, and will likely take his services elsewhere. They could also lose starting linebacker Landon Johnson from a defense that struggled to get 11 guys on the field in '07. Now, the defense could switch to a 3-4 when they don't have any linebackers to the begin with. Linebacker and defensive line certainly seem like top priorities then for a team whose offense has never really struggled to score points. Expect a front 7 defensive player who can help this defense right away. Otherwise, the #1 safety in the draft Kenny Phillips might remind Lewis of one of his former players, Miami S Ed Reed, and could certainly garner consideration. Another 7-9 season for Marvin Lewis and he may not get this much leniency.

Projected 1st Round Pick: Kenny Phillips S Miami (Fla.)

Cleveland Browns 10-6
Needs: CB,WR,RT,LB,S
Offense: Considering how long the Cleveland Browns have been mired in mediocrity, it would be easy simply be happy with 10-6. However, if anyone knows how hard it is to win in the NFL it is the Cleveland Browns. That is why they have made contract offers to both QB Derek Anderson and RB Jamal Lewis, hoping to keep their chore from last season intact. The QB situation is a murky one with Brady Quinn waiting in the wings, but all signs point to Anderson being the starter in '08. In order for 2008 to result in a playoff birth the Browns must get a wide receiver to help ease the burden on rising stars WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Jr. The Browns were scouting receivers heavily at the Senior Bowl, and they may even use their 2nd round pick to grab one. Regardless of whether or not Jamal Lewis comes back, the Browns also would like to add a running back in the draft.

Defense: the Browns would love to add depth in their secondary. The defense played considerably better this past season and with Romeo Crennel staying on as coach, they should be even better in 2008. Rush OLB Willie McGinest cannot play forever, and the Browns were very interested in linebackers at the Senior Bowl. In Crennel's 3-4, a team can never have too many linebackers and we may see multiple linebackers taken to bolster that group. Also, the Brown defensive lineman are nothing special. A young defense end who can pressure would probably help prolong McGinest's career. If they stay healthy, the Browns could be a very dangerous team next season.

Projected 2nd Round Pick: Antoine Cason CB Arizona

Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Needs: OL,S,WR,OLB,DE
Offense: The smash-mouth Pittsburgh Steelers of old were not the Steelers we saw in 2007. Willie Parker pounded the football, but the Steelers offensive line struggled in pass protected and often failed to get the "tough" yards when they needed them. Now, Pittsburgh faces losing their Pro Bowl G Alan Faneca to free agency. The guard class is weak in the draft, but there are some players in free agency. If the Steelers do go after a free agent guard, expect it to be one of the low-cost variety. Pittsburgh has tremendous talent at the skill positions, but Hines Ward is getting old and Cedric Wilson is a third receiver at best. Some help outside will give Big Ben another option and improve an already explosive offense.

Defense: The 2007 Steelers certainly did not remind anyone of the days of Mean Joe Green or Jack Lambert. Pittsburgh struggled with fundamentals, missing tackles and blowing coverage. S Anthony Smith probably lost his job after his failed guarantee, but he was probably better suited for a special teams/backup role anyway. Lawrence Timmons and LaMarr Woodley were picked in the first two rounds last year to give the Steelers pressure package more punch, but the Steelers D just dwindled down the stretch. Pittsburgh could also use depth at corner. For the first time in a while, the Steelers D must be upgraded to compete in the AFC North much less the rest of the AFC.

Projected 1st Round Pick: Jeffrey Otah OT Pittsburgh